Gearing



July 27, 1943.

C. B. GODVIIN GEARING Filed Jan. 24, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet l CLIFFORD 600m/1N,

July 27, 1943. c. B. GoDwlN 2,325,392

` GEAMNAG Filed Jan. 24, 1942 8 sheets-sheet 2 July 27, 1943. c. B. GoDwIN 2,325,392

GEARING Filed Jan. 24, 1942 8 sheets-sheet 3 July 27, 1943. C. B. GoDwlN GEARING Filed Jan. 24, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 GEARING 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 24, 1942 July 27, 1943- c. B. GoDwlN GEARING Filed Jan. 24, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 July 27, 1943. c. B. GoDw-IN 2,325,392

GEARING Filed Jan. `24, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 WMV/W7 i Patented July27, 1943 UNITED-f S'I'ATES PATENTfOFFlCE. f i `V2,325,392 n Y l i l l GEARING illiiord B. Godwin, University City, Mo. Ailplication January 24, 1942, SerialrNo. 428,027 .Y

This invention relates to gearing. -An object of the invention is to provide a novel type of gearingfor transmitting a differential rotary movement from aY `rotary drive shaft to an ultimate shaft or element to` be rotated drive shaft formed with a number of eccentrics each supporting an annular series of gears having the gears Yof eachseries integrally or rigidly assembled, sothat each of said annular series of gears will be moved in an orbital manner but not rotatedwhen said eccentrics are rotated by v the' drive shaft, a series of annular gears rotated directly by said drive shaft, a series of pairs of ,19 Claims. 4(C1. zi-ecm' n l views on the correspondingly designated sectional lines of,Fg.r15.

The rotary drive shaft Iis mounted for rota- `tion in bearings Zbya motor 3 0r other power mechanism. Inthis embodiment of the invention, the shaft I'is not shiftable longitudinally'. Said shaft l is formed Witha helical gear 4 which is concentric with the .axisof the shaft. An annular series or symmetrical cluster of gears 5 have their external helical or spiral teeth engag- ,ing-the'` gear 4 vfor rotation'thereby." In the arrangement showri, vthere areiour of the gears 5 all of which mesh with the gear ll` but do not en` gage each other (Fig. 4). The gearsv 5 are spaced equidistant about ,the lshaft'l so `that the axes of said gearsarespaced'9()o apart. 'The gears 5 are Without hubs and Ahave thek appearance of rings formed with external helical or spiral'teeth meshing withy the helical gear `4 and having on `their internal peripheries spurxgear teeth Sextencling ,longitudinally parallel with their axes.

Thehelical orspiral formation of the teeth on the spiral shafts having integral gear teeth engaged v Withand rotated by said, last named gears and also engaged with said rst named gears and in consequence thereof moved in orbital paths about their longitudinalV axes, and gearing driven by said spiral shafts vfor transmitting their said rotary movements differentially orunformly to y the ultimate shaft or element to be rotated.

. Various other objects and advantages will appear from .the following description, reference being made to the annexed drawings; in which- Fig. 1 is a longitudinal diametrical sectional v view in elevation of my improved gearing ap' proximately along the axis of the drive shaft. i

Fig. 2 is a diametrical sectional view approximately on the line 2 2 of Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is asectional view on the line 3 3 of 1 in which the drive shaft is movable longitudinally to different adjusted positions. Figs.` 16, 17 and 18y are enlarged cross-sectional external peripheriesmof the gears 5 prevents interengagement `of said external' teeth while permitting tangential contact of the external teeth of each gear with the external teeth of the adjacent gear. The axes of the respective gears 5 are xed relative to eachother and to the axis of the shaft I.N

`A pairrof spiral shafts 'l ,and 8 extend through each of the gears 5 inside by side relationship. The convolutions forming each of the two shafts 1 and 8 of each pair extend or interpolate between the yconvolutions of the other shaftY of said pair` of shafts.' longitudinal axis of eachy of saidshafts is closer to the periphery of the other shaft than it is to `its own periphery, and also is closer to the longitudinal axis of "the other shaft than would be the case where` adjoining shafts of equivalent diameter butv minus convolutions were at minimum spacing. `The ends of the shafts 'I that arejtoward the ymotor 3 are `journalled in bearings 9, and the adjacent ends ofthe shafts 8 are' journalled in bearings4 lil. The bearings `9 and Hl are formed in bushings! lrotatively supported in bosses l2 formedrigid with the enclosing frame i3. Thus, each pair of shafts `'I jand 8` is complementary Ato each 'gear 5 to be positively rotated by said gears as hereinafter explained;

f `The opposite ends of thevshafts l and 8 of leach pair aresupported in similar bearings `9' and l0 formed in abushing il' rotatively ,sup` ported in bosses i2 formed on the enclosing frame I3. The'tWo bushings ll. and H^ are axially By` this arrangement, the

alined. Thus, when the bushings II and II are rotated, the shafts 'I and 8 of each pair are moved.

`or carried through a common, which is to say and 8 of each pair are equidistant from the axis bushings II and II.

'In the construction shown (Fig. 1), a cylindrical eccentric I4 is rigid with the shaft I adjacent to the helical or spiral gear 4 and between.

said gear 4 land the motor '3; and a' complemen-- tary cylindrical eccentric I5 is rigid onfthe shaft I adjacent to and beyond. the opposite end of the gear 4;' The two A eccentricsV I4"".and I5 are oppositely disposed so that the high points `and 'surfaces are diametrically opposite fromeach other. Duplicate units vII5`and I'If are mounted'on the eccentri'cs III and I5' The' units II'l and? II do not" rotate with'the shaftI; but are positively moved bodilythroughjequal 'circular orbits about the axis of saidshaft I. The' radii'oflthe `said circularprbits' of movement of "the units I I and I'I`are equal tothe distancefromthe axis of the shaft I totthe central axes 'of thecylindricaleccentrics I4 andl I5,` respectively; The unit It comprises four internal i spur.l gears I8 adjacent to one side of thefour gears' 5"; and theunit II comprises four internal.v gears` I9 likewise adjacent'to the four gears 5.and located' at the opposite end of vSaidgears.Eifrorn the gears |82 The spur gears IB'and ISare respectively complementaryto' shafts# and'l 8" which are=comp1`e mentary to the internal geanteeth' as la result of'common vtang'ency of three dissimilar units. ,The shafts 'I and 8"extendthrough therespective gears I3 and I9'. Each of the shafts I is formed with. a spiral vseries of 'spur gear teethZII, and each of' the shafts -8 is formed 'with a spiral series of teeth 2'I lThe spiral seri'es'of spur teeth 2l]I and the spiral series of teeth.2| engage the gears I9`and' IIS,v respectively. When the shaft I is rotated,` and the twoseries of gears',` I8 and I9' are yIneved'through -circular orbits, 4the spiral series of spur teeth 2U' and`l2`l`on the shafts .l and 8 roll alongthe internal gears! |91 and IS, respectively, which are of sufficient diameter to permit the orbital movement thereof 'by the eccentrics. Il!l ari-dla; while also. permitting orbital movement ofthe shaftsIandTIlLv l Eccentric flanges 22formedintegral'with the bushings II have sliding engagement wthinthe ends of the respective gears I8 so that,l when said gears Iaremoved'in circular orbitsV about the axis centers of'the'gears Ii; .the bushings II wllbe rotated about their own` axes and will thereby move and'carrytheshafts 'I' and through circular orbits whose respective axes are extensions of Vtheaxesof the gears 5-'I5.y .Eccentric Aflanges 22 formed inintegralf conn'ection with thebushing's .I I' haw/@their high 1 pointsdisposed diametrically opposite from the high. points of theeccentrics v22 onthe bushings.A IVI that arein Yalinernent withthe bushings I I. `(Fig.- 1). Thus,

complementary radii of the eccentrics I5. The cylindrical eccentrics I4 and I5 never apply radial pressure against the hubs of the units I6 and I'I; nor do the units I6 and II apply direct radial pressure against the eccentrics 22' and 22'. Because of this sliding movement of the eccentrics Ill and I5 against the hubs of the units I5 and I'I, said units are bodily moved in identical orbits equidistant from the axis of the shaft I; and the bearings 9 and Ill'are movedin identical orbits about the axes of the bushings II. These orbital movements of the bearings 9 and II) about the axes of the alined bushings II and II' carry the shafts I and 8 in circular orbits around the axes of said bushings in accompaniment with the orbital movements of the units I6 and I'I and the resulting isolated orbital movements of vthe gears I8 and I8.

The shafts 'I are formed with spiral series of spur gear teeth 23, and the Iinterpolated.spiral shafts S are vformed with asimilar Spiral series of spur gear teeth 21%; As'shown,the spiral series of teeth '23 and 24 are outwardly beyond the bushings II' and mesh with internal'gears 25. There are four of the gears 25,' one for each pair of shafts 'I and'. The gears 25are formed with external spiral'gear teeth 26 whichmeshwith a spiral gear 2l formedinteg-ral orr rigid with a shaft 28 rotatively supported in bearings 29. The shaft 28 is in axiallalinement with the shaft I. A ring 25 Isupports'the seriesof gears 26 asa bearing.

A`modified form of the invention is shown in Figs. 6 to i4, inclusive. An electricmotor 3f! is supported in a rigid sphericalframe-SI having 'at one end a tubular extension 32; The shaft 33 is rotated by the motor and'extends through the tube 32 which constitutes a bearing for said shaft. The -outer endof the shaft SSis journalled in a bearingelementll locatedinaxial alinement withthe bearing 32. A helical gear 35 is rigid on the shaft 33. An annular series or symmetricalcluster of gears 36 havetheir external heli-cal or spiral teeth engaging the gear 35 for rotation thereby. is shown, there are fourof the gears t5 all. ofwhich Ymesh'with the gear Sabut do' not engage eachotherIFig. 9). The gears 3@ are equal distances' apart about the shaft 3S so that the axes of said gearsare spaced apart. The gears E@ `have'on their inner peripheries spur gear teeth -3'I extending' longitudinally parallel with their axes; The helical or spiral formation of the teeth on the outer periph- 'eries of the gears 35 prevents inter-engagement tangential contact of the outer peripheral teeth of each gear with the outer peripheralteeth of the adjacent gear. The' axes of the respective gears tt are fixed relativeto each other.

A pair of spiral shafts 38 and 39 extend through each of the gears 36 in side by side relationship. The convolutions forming eachof the two shafts 38 and 39 of each pair extend or interpolate between the convolutions of theI other shaft of said pair of shafts. By this arrangement, the longitudinal axis of each of said shafts is .closer tothe periphery of the other shaft than 1t is to its own periphery, and also is closer to the longitudinal'axis of the other shaft than would be possible if both shafts were of equivalent cliameter and without the convo-lutionswhich permit minimum spacing. The end portions of each pair of shaftsV 38' and 39 that are toward the motor SII are journalled in bearings in a bushing im rotatively supported in a.boss'4`ll formedfintegral Withthe venclosing frame 42 which, in this instance, may ,constitute 'the ultimate tool or element to be operated.' Since there are four pairs of shafts 38-.39, it is apparent that there are fourbushings 40. The bearings in the bush- The opposite ends of the shafts 38 and 39" of leach "pair lare supported Ain similar bearings formed in bushings 45 rotatively supported in bosses 4| formed integral with the enclosing `frame 42.' The two bushings 40 and 42 are axially alined. Therefore, when said bushings are rotated.' the shafts 38 and 39 of each pair are moved throughthe same circular orbit about the longitudinal axis of said bushings. This is because the axes of the shafts 38 and 39 of each` pair of shafts are parallel witheach otherand are spacedequidistant from the common axis of ,the two alined bushings 49 and 49'; which is to say, the axes of the two shafts 38 and 39 of each pair of said shafts extend eccentrically with respect to the axes of the two bushings 40 and 44.

In this modifiedconstruction, two cylindrical' eccentrics 431and 44 are rigid with the shaft I beyond opposite ends of the helical gear 35 so 46 are oppositely disposed. The highv points and surfaces of the eccentrics 43 and 45 are diametrivcally `opposite from each other, and the high points and surfaces of the'eccentrics 44 and 46 are also diametrically opposite from eachother. Duplicate units 41 and 48 arev mounted on the eccentrics 43 and 44;'and duplicateunits 49A and` 50 are mounted on the eccentrics 45 and 46; The

said units 41, 48, 49 and 5E) do not rotate with :the shaft 33, but are rotated about the axes 4of the respective eccentrics 43, 44, and 46 on which they are mounted, during the same time that they arepositivelymoved bodily through equal circular orbits around the axis of the shaft 33. The rotation of the units 41, 43, 49 and 50 about the axes of the eccentrics 43, 44, 45 and 4E on which-said units are mounted is in accompaniment with the rotation of the frame or eleu ment 42. This is because the shafts 3f! and 39 are carried bysaid frame or element 42 during 'rotation of the latter; asa consequence of which` the units 41,48, 49 and 53 are rotated during thesame time that they move through their cir.-

other.

The units 41, 43, 49 and 55 are mounted on'` their eccentrics 43, 44, 45 and 46 and are operated ed: Whereas the units I8 and I9 do not rotate.

The units 41 and 48 are adjacent to the bushings 49 and 49', respectively, andveach comprises four internal spur gears 5l (Fig. 8). Each of the units 49 and 53 also comprises four internal spur gears 52. The two Vshafts 38 and 39 of each pair of said shafts extend through therespective gears 5| and 52; Each of the shafts 38 is formed-with two spiral series of spur gear teeth 53 engaging both gears5l, and each of the shafts 39 is formed with two spiral series of spur gear teeth 54 engagingV both gears 52. When the shaft 33 is rotated by the motor and the series of units 41, 48, 49 and 59 are moved through circular orbits, the spiral series of'gear teeth 53 and 54 on the shafts 38 and 39 roll along the internal gears 5l and 52, respectively, which are ofsuflicient diameter to permit orbital movement of said shafts by the eccentrics 43, 44, 45 and 46.

The inner ends of the shafts 3S and 39 that are `toward the motor 33 have spiral series of spur gear teeth 55 meshing with internal teeth 55 formed on the inner perpheries of four gear rings 51, respectively. The rings 51 are of equal diameter and are spaced equidistant about the axis of the shaft 33 so that the axes of said gear rings 51 are spaced 90 apart. AThe four gear rings 51' are rotatably supported in a bearing ring 58. The rings 51 are formed with external helical gear teeth 59 which engage a fixed helical gear' formed on the rigid bearing extension 32. Therefore, when the shafts 38 and 39 are rotated by the'gears 36, the series of gear rings 51 will be rolled around the fixed bearing extension 32 in a planetary manner and will cause the enclosing frame 42 which, in this instance, is the ultimate tool or element, to be rotated about the axis of the shaft 33.

Each of said shaftsSS and 39 has on its outer end a spiral series of spur'gear teeth Si (Fig. 7), meshing with internal spur. teeth'SZ formed on the inner peripheries-of `four gear rings 63, respectively. The rings 53 are of equal diameter and are spaced equidistant about the extended axis of the shaft 33 so that the axes of said gear rings G3 are spaced 90 apart and in alinement with the axes of the rings 51. -The four gear rings 53 are rotatably supported in a ring' 64.

The rings are formed with external helical Therefore, whenthe shafts 38 and 39 are rotated bythegears 35the series `of gear rings 63 will be rolled around the rigid bearing element 34 in a planetary manner and will cooperate with the devices51. to imparta rotary movement to the enclosing frame 42 which, in this instance, repl resentsan ultimate tool or element to be rotated the central long axis of the cylindrical eccentrics `43, 44, 45 and 45, whichy are `duplicates of each by said eccentrics, similar in some particulars to n `.theoperation of the units i8 and I9 vby the eccentrics I4 ,andV l5. A difference between the operation of theunits 41, 43, 49 and 5@ from the operation of the units I8 and I9 consists in the rotation ofsaid units 41, 4B, 49 and 55 about theA axes of the eccentrics on Which they are mountabout the axisof the shaft 33.

TheV axes of the bearings 4I and 4I. and the Vaxes of the bushings 43 and 45 are equidistant gear `teeth 51 Vin permanentmesh withthe internal teeth` v3l'` of the complementary gear ring 35 (Fig. A9), 'The-refore, when the ,motor 39 is operating to rotate the shaft 33. and spiral gear 31, and therebyA rotate the gear rings 36 about their respective' axes,both shafts 38 and 39 that are' engaged with,` each gear ring 35 arev rotated about itheir respective axes and,v impart rotary movements to the gea'r devices 51 and (i3, respectively: As a consequencathe frameV or kultimate element or tool d2 is rotated'abo-ut-the axis of the shaft AThe two shafts 33 and 39 ofeach pair of shafts, during rotation thereof about their respective axes, arealso moved through circular orbits because. said shafts are journalled in bearings inthe bushings lili and ii that are eccentric to the axis f said bushings like the bearings Q, It and 9 and it in the bushings li and H', before described.

Eccentric flanges B formed integral with the bushings 4G and 4t have sliding engagement within the ends of the respective adjacent gears 5! so that, when said gears are moved in circular orbits by the eccentrics Q3 and lill, the bushings Il@ and lil will be rotated about their own axes andwill thereby carrythe shafts 33 and 35i through. circular orbitsabout the axes of said bushings which are extensions of the axes of the gears 36. 1-

The opposite end of the mechanism shown inFig. G includes a tubular bearing extension 69 in axial alinernent with the bearing extension, 32' and, in like manner, rigid with the rigid frame 3l. The shaft 'lil is rotated by the motor 39 and is journalled inthe bearing extension and in a rigid bearing element ll located in axial alinernent with the bearing @9; A helical .gear .lil is rigid on the shaft lil. An annular series or symmetrical cluster of four gears 'i3 have their external helical or spiral teeth lf3 engaging the gear'lz for rotation thereby. All vfour of the gears l2 mesh with the gear .l2 but do not mesh with each other (Fig. 13). The gears 'i3 are equal distances apart about the shaft il? so that the axes of said gears are spaced 96 apart. The gears 'i3 have on their inner peripheries spur gear teeth 'i5 extending longitudinally parallel with'their axes. The helical or spiral formation of the teeth 'ifi' on the outer peripheries of the gears 'It prevents interengageinent of said outer peripheral'teeth 'ld While pern mitting tangential contact of the outer peripheral teeth of each gear with the outer peripheral vteeth of the adjacent'gear. A ring l5 encloses the series of gears 'i3 and holds thereA in proper relationship, and in engagement with the gear i2.

A pair of spiral shafts l? and 18 extend through each of the gears i3 in side by side relationship. These shafts 'El and T8 are formed exactly like the shafts 38 and 39 and differ therefrom onlyl in dimensions. rThe convolutions formingeach of the two shafts 'il and 'itl of each pair extend or interpolate betweenthe convolutions of the other shaft. of said pair of shafts, as do the shafts 38 and'EiS. rThis arrangement locates the longitudinal axis of each of said shafts 'll and 'it closer tothe periphery of the other shaft than it is to its own periphery, and also closer to the longitudinal axis ofthe other shaft, than would be axis of the shaft possible if the two shafts ll and 'i3 were of equal ldiameter and without the convo-lutions which permit this close assembly. The inner end portions of each pair of shafts Tl and f8 that are toward themot'or 3!) are journalled in bearings in a bushing 'Iii rotatively supported in a boss 8B formed integral with. the enclosing frame 3| which, in this instance, may constitute the ultimate tool or lelement to be operated, as does the frame 42, a1-

ready described. .Since there are four pairs of shafts il and l, it is apparent that there are four bushings la .The bearings in the bushings 'i9 in which the shafts '1 1 and 'i8 are journalled are like the Ibearings 9. andl formed in the bushings lil, and also like the bearings for the shafts 38 and'S formed in the bushings 4B. I

The opposite or outer ends of the shafts l1 and it. of each pair are supported in similar bearings formed in bushings 'le' rotatively'supported in bosses 39 formed integral with the enclosing frame tl. The two bushings l@ and 19 are axially alined. rTherefore, when said bushings are rotated, the shafts 'H l and 'i8 of each pair are moved through the saine circular orbit about the longitudinal. axis -of said bushings. This is because the axes of the two shafts 'l1 and 'I8 are parallel with each other and are spaced-equidistant `from the common axis of the two alined bushings 'ig and 19'; which is to say, the axes of the two shafts ll and rit of each pair of said `shafts extend eccentrically with respect to the are formed on a cornrnon axis, and the eccentrics Srl are also formed on a common axis, which is eccentric with respect to the axis of the eccentrics and ili. rilhus, as shown, the two adjacent eccentrics S2 and ifi are oppositely disposed, and the two adjacent eccentrics 83 and 55 also are oppo-sitely disposed relative to each other. The high points and surfaces of the eccentrics and it are diametrically opposite from each other, and the high points and surfaces of the eccentrics 33 and are also diametrically opposite from each other. Duplicate units BER and Sl are mounted on the eccentrics iii. and 3; and duplicate units til and 8,9 are Amounted on the eccentrics fit and The said units 8B, el, 88 and 89 do not rotate along with the shaft 1E, but are rotated about the axes of the eccentrics 33, and on which they are mounted during the saine time that they are positively moved bodily through equal circular orbits around the The radii of said circular orbits of'movernent of the units S5, Sl, 83 and 89 are equal to the distance from the Vvaxis of the shaft 'it to the central long axes of the cylindrical eccentrics S2, SE, Sli and Which are of equal size.

The units E5 and il are adjacent to the bushings 'ds and la', respectively, and each comprises vfour internal spur gears @ii similar to the four internal spur gears 5i in the units il and fit. Each 'ofthe units t and 89 also comprises four internal spurgears si. The two shafts il and '58 of each pair of saidshafts extend through the respective gears 9c and 9i. Each of the shafts i? formed with two spiral. series of spur gear teeth engaging both gears 99, and each of the shafts is formed with two spiral spur gear teeth S3 ...gaging both gears Si. When the spiral gear .E is' rotated by the motor and the series 0f units 8l, Si? and f2.9 are rotated around the axes of the eccentrics $33, iid and 35, the spiral series of gear teeth and on the shafts 'il' and l' roll along the gears il@ and iii, respectively, which are of sufficient diameter to permit oscillation of the units il?, Si? and t5 relative to the axis 4formed on the inner peripheriesoffcur ring gears 95, respectively. The ring gearsg95a1^e Of equal element to be operated, to be rotated about the `axis of the shaft In v Each of saidshafts '|1, andf has on its'outer end a spiralseriesof spur gear teeth Ill@ meshing with internal gearteeth lill formedpon the inner peripheries of four ring gears |52. The ring gears m2 are duplicates of the ring gears 96, are of the same diameter, and are Vspaced equidistant: about the extended axis of the` shaft 10, so that the axes of said ringgears |5321 are spaced 90 apart and are in alinement-Withthe axes of the ring gears 36. The fourring gears `|52 are rotatably supported in a ring i433. The

ring gears |02 are formedwith externalhelioal gear teeth IEM `which engage a vfixed gear H35 formed on the rigid bearing element 'il which is analogous to the bearing element t4 and to the rigid bearing extension 32. Therefore, When the shafts TI and 'i8 are rotated bythe gears l5, the series of ring gears |62 will be'rolledaround the rigid bearing element 'II in a planetary inan- `ner and Will cooperate with lthe vring gears Slt to impart-a rotary movement to the enclosing frame 8| which, in this embodiment, is the ultimate tool or element to be rotated.

The axes of the bearings 8G `and 3E. and the axes of the bushings I Sand l'ilare equidistant `from the Common axis of thebearings 59 and l! and also `equidistant from ,the axis ofthe shaft` '10. Both shafts ll and 'iB of each pair'of said shafts have spiral series of spur geariteethlii in permanent mesh with-the internal teeth- 'l5 of the corresponding ring gear"I3. Therefore, when the motor 30 is operating to rotatethe spiral gear .T2-'and thereby rotate-'the ring gears lt, `both shafts Hand 'I8 that are engaged with each ring gear 'I3 are rotated about-their respective axes simultaneously with theirorbital movements and impart rotary movements to the ring gears 96 .and `|02, respectively. The frame or ultimate element or tool 8| is rotated ,about the axis of the drive shaft I I0 extends through the rotary motor driven tubular shaft I I having an inner series of longitudinal spur gear teeth H2 engaged by the pinion lf3 rigid on the shaft IIB. When the motor is operating, the tubular shaft |I| iis in constant rotation. Because the shaft III is permanently geared to the shaft lill, said shaft is also rotated constantly when the motor is operating. The shaft III] maybe equippedwith a handle 4 beyond the motor frame sothat-said shaft may be manually moved to itsv different adjusted positions,A The shaft IIis rotatively supported in bearings ||5. s

he gear mechanism for operating the ultimate element or tool ||6 is supported within a rotatable frame or housing .I I'I. The element l||6 is incapable of longitudinal movements andtele scopes on the axially alined shaftvlll) (Fig. 15)'. l

An annular series of four ring` gears||8` are mounted Within the frame and have `outer peripheral helical gear teeth ||9 meshing with a pinion |20 through which the shaft ||0 extends for sliding movements. When ,the pinion |26. is rotated by` the shaftY ||U,ia1l of the ring gears H3 will also berotated. Apinion 2I rigid on the shaft ||0 is movable into one end of pinion |29 and into engagement with `an internal gear |22 formed in said pinion. Therefore, when the 4shaft ||0 is moved longitudinally tothe limit of its movement in one direction, the pinion |2I is within and engaged by the gear |22 and will tween the convolutions` of the othershaftof said shaft l0. The two shafts 'II and 'lof each pair i of shafts, during rotationthereof about their respective axes, are moved through circular orbits because said shafts are journalledin bearings in the bushings 'I9` and I9 that are eccentric l0, and 9 and IU' in thebushings Il and II', and like the bearings in thebushings dil andi, before described. Y i

Eccentric flanges |07 formed integral with the bushings I9 and 'I9' have sliding engagement Within-the ends of the respective adjacentl gears 90 so that, when said gears are moved by the .eccentrics 82 and 83, the bushings 'I9 and lil will be rotated about their own axes and will thereby carry the shafts 'Hand 'I8 through circular` orbits `about the axes of said bushings which are extensions ofthe axes .of thering gears'IS. w

As explained, the `ringgears 73 aregheld'in assembly and in proper relationshipby an en'- ,60 to the axis of said bushings like the bearings,

pair of shafts, as do the shafts38and 39 and the shafts I1 and 18. This arrangement .locatesv the longitudinal axis of each of said shafts |23 and I 24 closer to the periphery of the other shaft than it is to its Own periphery, vand also closer to the-longitudinal axis of the other shaft, than Would be possible if theY two shafts |23 and |24 were of equal diameter 'and Without the convo'- lutions which permit this close assembly rhe inner end portions of eachpair of shafts that are toward the motor are journalled inbearings in a bushing |25 rotatively supported in a bea-ring boss |25 formed integral with the enclosing frame Ill. Since there are four pairs of shafts |23 and |24, it is` apparent that there are four bushings |25. The bearings inthe bushings |25 in which the shafts |23 and |24 are supported are like the bearings 9 and i0 formed in the bushings I 1 The opposite'or.r outer ends ofthe shafts 1I23 `and |24 are supported in similar bearings formed Qin bushings |25 rotatively supportedin bearingT bosses |26. `The bushings |25 and |25 are axially alined so that, when said bushings' are ,ro-

adjacent. end Aof the 1-tated,th'e `startsite*and `mi of each parare moved through the same circular vorbitv about the longitudinal axis of said bushings, This is be'- ycause the axes of the shafts |23 and M24-are parallel with each otherand are spaced equidistant from the common axis'of the two alined bushings |25 and |25. Each shaft ll'and its -has-a spiralseries of `gear teeth I2?l permanently meshing with internal spur -gear teeth |28 formedlizi the respective ring gears; I I8'. l

Y vEach shaft |23V has a spiral-series'ofspur gear teeth|29 engaging the internal spur vgear teeth `|30 formed in the unit |35. The unit |3| has -four gearsl |30 engaging, respectively, the four shafts |23. The unit |3| is like the unit it and isfsimilarly operated. Each shaft IZA-has a spiral series of spur gear teeth |32 engagingthe internal-spur gear teeth 'ISS-formed in the unit-i3d.

f vThe unit |34 has four gearsv |33 engaging, respectively, the four shafts |24. krihe'shafts |23 do not engage-the, gears |33; and the-shafts |24 do not engagethe gears |30. The unit Imis-mounted on an eccentric |35, and the-unit |34 is mounted onaneccentric |36. The eccentrics |35 and |30 'are formed on the element I6 for rotation there- `by to move the units |3| and|34 through-orbitsA in thesame manner that the unitst? and-fili are movedithrough orbits. l

A series of four ring helical gears |31 haveftheir -outer peripheral'teeth'lSS-permanently engaging a 'helical gear |39 formed on the element |||i. YThe series of ring "gears |31 are -held in assembly 4and in engagement with-the'gear |39 by a reringfgears |43 mesh witha-pinion 'M5 which is engaged by the pinion |2| `(Fig. l5)` in one of the 'longitudinal positions of the shaft M0; Therefore, when the pinion |2| is engaged within the ,pinion |45, the'latter will be rotated by the shaft ,0, thereby rotating the series of ring gears |53 -in other gearings in which the parts were of different form and shape. The varied embodiments ofthe gearing maybe used to impart a differential rotary movement'from a rotary drive shaft to .an ultimate shaft or element-28,132, 8| or H6,

through the medium of a series of gears rotated by the drive shaft, and a series of pairs of helical or spiral gear shafts engaged by said gears and rotated about the axes of said spiral shafts and also moved in an orbital manner. Moreover, the axes of all of the shafts and gears are parallel with each other irrespective ofthefact that orbital movements are imparted to-certain of said gears while rotary movements only are imparted tofothers of said gears. The problem ofa'ssembling the device within a comparatively small or limited space is thus solved; and, duetothe rotary or pivotal action of all of the elements, the

e frictional resistance tothe movements of dinerand rotating theshaf-ts |23 and 126|; This will rotate the ring gears |31 at a speed diiferent from `the speed at'which-said ring gears |31 are rotated by the shafts 4| 23and |24 when said shafts are rotated by thev gears |8,'because the ring gears |53 and-|43 are'of 'different diameters and, therefore,

rotate the shafts `|23 and |24 atdiferent speeds.

a consequence, the element H6 may berotated Vat different speeds when-,the motor is operating ,thetubular shaft at uniformspeed. The

pinion |2| may be moved to an intermediate vidle position in which said pinion |2| isA out `or engagernent with the gearv |22 land also out of vengagement with the pinion m5. This permits the v,motor `to operate without operating the gearing, .or the elementl I l5.

The series Aof ring gears. |43, and thereby the pinion I|45, are held in proper relationship and ,assemblyby aring |46, like the rings 5B and 64.

flhebushings |25 are rotatedby eccentrics Mii formed integral `vvithvsaid bushings and engag- -ing in the adjacentends of thegears |30 formed in .the .units las. vrims', thev .bushingsiz' :are .rotated by theiorbitalmovementsof the unit -.|3.|. -When the-bushings |25 are rotated, y:the `shafts |23 andi-24 Aare moved ini orbits Vabout .the l axes `of ent parts by other parts is reduced-to a -ininirnurn- The mechanism may be appliedto various useful Vpurposes by proper adaptation within the skill of thosel familiar with such transmission gearings. The present invention has to do with the assembly of the Y' mechanism within' minimum space in which the axes of all of the shafts and gears are parallel and -in which the ultimate element or tool tobe operated may be driven diiferentially ornot, as desired.v

The construction, arrangement and relationship of the elements may be varied within the range of equivalent limits without departure from the nature andprinciple of the invention.

I claim:

yl.A Gearing ofthe character'described comprising a rotary drive shaft, a series of annular gears rotated by said drive shaft and each having a series of internal 'gear teeth, a series of pairs of rotary spiral gear shafts extending through said gears and engaging saidinternal teeth for rota- -tion thereby and having their convolutions interpolated with the longitudinal axis of each of said shafts closer tothe 4peripheryof theother shaft vof said pair than it is toits own periphery, mechanism for moving said spiral-shafts through orbital circuits during rotation thereof by said annular gears,andan element operated'by said spiral shafts. i t ff 1 2. Gearing of-the'character described comprising a central rotary-drive shaft, an eccentric in rigid connection with and-rotated by said shaft, yan annularseries of attached gears mounted on said eccentric foroscillation thereby during rotation of said-drive shaft, a series of annulargears rotated-directly by said drive shaft, aseries of `pairs of spiral shafts having integral gear teeth engaged Withand rotated by said respective last shaft' `during A rotationy thereof for` moving'lsaid spiral shafts through circular orbits during rota-` tion of said Aspiral shafts by said annular gears,

an'element to be operated, and mechanism driven byrr said spiralshafts for operating said element.

4. Gearingof the character described compris-y ing a central rotary drive shaft, aseries of annular gears rotated directly by said drive shaft and each having a'series of internal gear teeth,` a pair of rotaryspiral gear shafts extendingthrough eachof saidgears engaging and rotated by said internal gear teeth and having their convolutions interpolated, `mechanism forfmovingsaid spiral shafts through orbitalV circuits during rotation thereof by said'annular gears, an elementto be operated, and meansfor connecting saidv spiral shafts with lsaid element f or rotating *said element andA formoving said spiral shafts vgenerally in a' path of n movement around' said `Vdrive` circular shaft;` n l f l `5.y Gearing of the characterdescribed comprising a rotary drive .shaftfa shaftto be rotated,"a

shaft extending throughjsaid drive shaft 'and being movable longitudinally to different adjusted positions, an "element: to be rotated,` aseriee of pairs of rotary spiral gear shafts, mechanism for rotating said element byfsaid spiral `gearshafts,

` `6. Gearing `of the character described compris-` ing a rotary drive shaft', a pair of'longitudinally` spaced axially alined bushings, bearings in Which said bushings are supported for rotation, a pair of shafts rotatively journalled insaidV bushings,A gearing operated by saidfdriveshaft for rotatingI said pair of shafts relative to said bushings, mechanism for rotating said bushings and thereby bushings are supported for rotation, a pair of shafts rotatively journaled in said bushings ec-r centrically of the axes of said bushings and having one of said pairs of shafts engaging said gear member, gearing operated by said drive shaft for rotating said pair of shaftsrelative to said bushings, means for rotating said bushings by said gearmember to movesaid pair of shafts in circular orbits about Vthe longitudinal axisof said bushings, andan element operated by said pair ofshafts. v i" i0.Y` Gearing of the character described 'comprising Va rotary drive shaft, a pair of shafts, a

pair Yof axially alined bushings supporting said pair of shafts .parallel with said drive shaft for rotation about their respectiveaxes and for orf bital movements about a longitudinal axis parallel With the axis of said shafts and which is concentric with the axis of paircffbushings and eccentric to the axis of said drive shaft and also eccentric to the'axes` of said pair of shafts,

mechanism operated' by saidk drive shaft for ro?.

.l tating said pair of shafts about their respective moving said pair of shafts in circular orbits about the axes of said bushings, and an element oper-.- ated by said pair of shafts.

7. Gearing of the character described compriserated by said drive shaft forrotating said pair of shafts about their respective axes and for moving said pair of shafts in circular orbits` about said longitudinal axis, an element to be operated, and gearing operated by said pair of shafts for operating said element.

8. Gearing of the character described comprising a rotary drive shaft, a series of pairs of shafts, means for supporting each of said pairs of shafts for simultaneous rotation and for orbital movementsy about a longitudinal axis which is eccentric to the axes of said pairs of shafts, mechanism operated by said drive `shaft for rotating said pairs of shafts about their respective axes and for moving said respective pairs of shafts in circular orbits about said longitudinal axis, and an axes, means controlled by `,said vdriveshaftA for moving said pairvv of shafts in circular orbits about said longitudinal axis, and` anjelement driven `by Said pair of shafts. f t' 11. Gearing of the character described comprising a rotary drive shaft,a series-of pairs of shafts supported 'vforrotation about their re spectiveaxes and Valso for orbital movements about longitudinal axes which are eccentric to the axes of said respectivepairs` of shafts, mechanism supported and operated by said drive shaft for rotating said pairs of shafts about their re' spective axes and for moving said pairs of shafts?- in said circular orbits, and an element operated by saidpairs of shafts. f v

12. Gearingof the character .described com; prising a rotary drive shaft, a series of pairs of shafts supported for rotation about their respective axes and for orbital movements about longitudinal axes which are eccentric to the axes of said respective pairs of shafts, mechanism operated bysaid drive shaft for rotatingsaid pairs of shafts about their respective axes, gear members engaged with the respective shafts of said pairs of shafts, means for moving said pairs of shafts generally in a circular direction about the axis of said drive shaft and thereby moving said gear members, eccentrics for oscillating said gear members to control said pairs of shafts, and an element operated by said pairs of shafts. 13.y Gearing of the character described comprising a rotary drive shaft, a stationary pinion coaxial with said drive shaft, a series of gears meshing with said pinion, a pair of shafts supported for rotaton about the respective axes and for orbital movements about a longitudinal axis Which is eccentric to the axis of said pinion and also eccentric to the axes of said pair of shafts, mechanism operated bysaid drive shaft for rotating said pair of shafts about their respective axes and for moving said pair of shafts in circular orbits about said longitudinal axis, means engaging said pair of shafts with said gears, and an element rotated by said pair of shafts.

14. Gearing of the character described comprising a rotary drive shaft, two longitudinally spaced pinions coaxial with said drive shaft, seriesof gears meshing with said pinions respectively, pairs of shafts supported for4 rotation about their respective axes and for orbital movements about longitudinal axes which are eccenaxially Valined.I bushings, bearings in which l said tric to'thefaxes of said.respective-pairsof shafts, gear teethy engaging'said pairs of shafts withsaid respectivevv gears, mechanism: operated by saiddrivefshaf-t for rotating said pa-irs-l of shaftsabout their respective axes and for moving said pairsingl rotated. by each ,ofr said pinions when. said respective pinions are rotated, a pair of shafts engaged with saidv second gearing for rotation. thereby, mechanism. for moving, said pairs of ,shafts-in circular orbits aboutlongitudinal axes4- which are eccentric` to the axes of. saidz respective-shaftaand 'an element operated by said pairs.

' of shafts;

16. Gea-ring of the character `described Vcorn- ,prising-a rotary drive shaft, an element to be.

shafts, means for moving said pair of 'shafts lthrough circular orbits. during rotation of .said

tricftoftheraxesoff saidpairs l of tshafts respectively,

internalfgear members each engaging. one shaft of: s-aid respective pairs ofy shafts mechanism for:

oscillating;A saidl gear members and moving4 saidpairs-of,A shafts in circular orbits-about said longitudinal'y axes during rotationv of said..pairs of shafts, a. series vof gears respectivelyV engaging: both V,shafts-of-v Vsaid pairs: of shafts .for rotationy thereby,-andanfelement rotatedby said gear-a -livGear-ingof.- `the` character described-,com-

prising,y at rotary drive shaft, arr-element coaxial,

Withsaict drive slr-laity and supported for rotation,v aser-iesC of .p'airs-v of. shafts supported for rotation: abouttheir respective axes and for-orbital move.- ments about longitudinal axes which areeccentric4 tofthe. a-Xesof. saidI respective pairs of shafts, gearingsoperatedby. said driveshaft `for-rotating both. shafts. ofsaid` `respective `pairs of shafts, mecha-l' nism=operated by saiddrive shaftl formoving said.

pairs of shafts in circular orbits about longitudinal axes which are eccentric to the longitudin'al; axes'. of saidrespective shafts, and gearing-engaging both shafts-of. said respective pairs.

. of. shaftsforoperation. thereby.

7.19, Gearing of .the character l describedcomprisingarotary drive shaft, an element coaxial vvith-saidtdrive shaft andv supported for rotation,

pair of shafts by said gearsgand an. element.

a: series ofv pairs` ofv sh'atts'supported for rotation abouttheir respective axes and for orbital movlements about longitudinal axes which are eccentric tov ther axes f of said. respective pairs of shafts, gearing operated. by said drive shaftfor rotating. both shafts of said respectivelpairs. of shafts, mechanism operated by said drive shaft for movingsaid pairs. of shafts'in circular orbits about longitudinal axes. which are eccentric to the longitudinal axesof said respective shafts,- gearing en'-` gaging` both.. shafts of said .respective pairs of shafts for operation thereby, and mechanism engaged-and rotated by said-gearing;

j CLIFFORD B. G'ODWIN. 

